Salt Spreader vs Fertilizer Spreader (Which is better?)

by Alex Kountry
Updated on

Salt spreader and fertilizer spreader are two instrumental machines that have helped facilitate certain operations for many decades.

Although these two machines appear to have similar operating styles, they are completely different from each other.

A salt spreader is used to solve only one major problem during winter, which is to reduce the freezing point of water and keeping roads free from ice.

On the other hand, fertilizer spreader performs an entirely different job, which is to help spread fertilizer on a farm or lawn.

One needs to understand how these machines are distinct from each other, and how important they both are in our contemporary world.

What is a salt spreader?

A salt spreader is a heavy-duty mechanical device that is utilized to distribute a certain type of solid chemical substance on the road.

This machine is mostly used during winter. The solid chemical substance it distributes on the road help to dissolve ice and keep the road clean as clear for vehicles to travel on.

To use a salt spreader, the operator usually attaches the device to the rear of a vehicle and then uses it to disperse substances such as salt, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, as well as other similar substances.

Each time it snows heavily, a salt spreader is the best device for deicing.

Related: Here is an article I wrote on how to keep a fertilizer spreader from rusting

What is a fertilizer spreader?

A fertilizer spreader is a very instrumental mechanical device used to properly distribute fertilizer materials on farms.

Long before this device was invented, farmers had no choice but to make use of their bare hands to apply fertilizer on farmlands, which was quite a hectic exercise at the time.

But fortunately, the process of fertilizing farms became much easier and quicker when fertilizer spreader was manufactured.

The machine is easy to operate, and it helps to evenly distribute fertilizer on farms and lawns.

How are they different?

Although these two machines appear to be similar, they are clearly different from each other.

Salt spreaders are not used on farms or lawns.

This machine is only used to deice roads after it must have snowed heavily. interestingly, this machine is used occasionally.

You can only see salt spreaders in operation during the winter season.

On the other hand, a fertilizer spreader is a more conventional machine used to disperse fertilizer on farms or lawns.

Unlike salt spreaders, this machine has no business on the road.

A fertilizer spreader is only used by farmers and lawn maintenance experts.

How are they similar?

In spite of the fact that these two amazing machines don’t perform the same job, they are similar in a few ways.

It is safe to say that a salt spreader and a fertilizer spreader are comparable machines, owing to the fact that they both help to disperse solid materials.

These are materials that were initially distributed with bare hands.

But after the invention of these machines, the distribution of these materials became a very easy exercise.

Also check out this article I wrote on what the numbers mean on a fertilizer spreader?

What’s better about a salt spreader?

A salt spreader has multiple merits, which is why it’s one of my most important outdoor devices.

Interestingly, statistics have proven that each year, more than 500 persons are killed in brutal accidents caused by icy pavement.

Salt spreader helps to get rid of ice pavements by distributing certain solid chemicals. This has helped saved countless lives over the years.

Moreover, a salt spreader is not only used to spread chemicals to deice pavements, but it is also occasionally used to perform similar tasks especially on construction sites.

What’s better about a fertilizer spreader?

A fertilizer spreader remains one of the most instrumental devices on farms.

Owing to its ability to evenly distribute fertilizer easier and quicker, this mechanical device is a must-have on the farm.

It’s a better option, rather than using bare hands to fertilize farms and applying grass seeds.

Unlike salt spreaders, there are numerous models of fertilizer spreaders. This machine comes in different fashions, sizes, and capacities.

You don’t even have to own a farm in order to own a fertilizer spreader.

If you have a lawn in your backyard, then it’s appropriate for your to own a fertilizer spreader. You’d need the device to apply fertilizer on your lawn.

Amazingly, fertilizer spreader is not only used to distribute fertilizer. As of now, people make use of this device to disperse both grass seeds and fertilizer.

Who should get a salt spreader and why?

A salt spreader can’t be operated by everyone.

Most times, this machine is acquired by establishments that have been contracted with the job to deice payments during winter.

For instance, there are hundreds of small and large establishments in the United States that are engaged in this operation of de-icing.

A salt spreader is usually by these entities.

Unlike fertilizer spreaders, not everyone can purchase a salt spreader.

Not because it’s too expensive or too difficult to operate, but due to the fact that not everyone has the authorization to go on the streets and start de-icing pavements.

Who should get a fertilizer spreader and why?

A fertilizer spreader can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world.

As long as you own a farm or maintain a personal lawn, it’s ideal for you to get a fertilizer spreader.

The best part of this is that you don’t necessarily need to spend much purchasing this device.

You can simply acquire a small-sized fertilizer spreader that can aid you in maintaining your farmland or lawn by dispersing fertilizer or grass seeds.

More importantly, this mechanical device can be easily operated. Unlike salt spreader that needs some level of expertise, anyone can effortlessly learn how to use a fertilizer spreader.

Conclusion

Salt spreader and fertilizer spreader are two important devices that have helped facilitated certain operations such as de-icing and fertilizing for many decades.

It’s important for anyone to understand the unique features of these machines and how they can be easily utilized.

If you intend to acquire a fertilizer spreader anytime soon, ensure you go for the model that’s suitable for you and easy to operate.

Photo of author

About the author

Alex Kountry

Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. He also loves to play tennis and read books

Newsletter

HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox